Our first Chili & Chat of the the year was held April 17 in New Hope, with the timely topic of health care. Legislation is moving forward in the State Capitol, many items people aren't aware of. Speaking to these issues were Twila Brase, RN , president of Citizens Council on Health Care, Rep. Tom Emmer , House Deputy Minority Leader, and Karen Effrem, MD, Pediatrician and Policy Analyst. Emceeing the event was SD45B House Candidate Gregg Prest .

Twila Brase gave a brief "Health Care 101" with a history of Medicaid and how it's affected health care. She followed with CCHC's push to demand consent for genetic testing and infant blood screening, which the State Department of Health is against.

Rep. Tom Emmer followed with a legislative update on health care reform, and discussed the task force and special interest groups who stand to gain more from socialized medicine than the people it purports to help.

Karen Effrem, MD wrapped it up with an eye-opening account of mental health screening and disturbing trends to monitor citizens from cradle to grave, along with a host of medicines pushed on our children.

The panel stayed for an interesting question and answer session, including how to protect your medical privacy and where to go to make your voice and concerns heard.

NW Cable Television will be airing an edited one-hour program in May.

Air dates and times on cable Channel 20:

• Saturday, May 3 - 8:00 pm
• Sunday, May 4 – 2:00 am, 8:00 am and 2:00 pm